TIP746: ASML: EUROPE’S TECH MONOPOLY

W/ CLAY FINCK

TIP746: ASML: EUROPE’S TECH MONOPOLY W/ CLAY FINCK

21 August 2025

In this episode, Clay unpacks the extraordinary rise of ASML — a little-known Dutch company that quietly became the most important player in global technology. Since its IPO in 1995, ASML has compounded at 20% annually.

ASML holds one of the most powerful monopolies on earth as it’s the sole manufacturer of EUV lithography machines, which make the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips. Without ASML, companies like Apple, NVIDIA, and TSMC couldn’t power iPhones, AI data centers, or the modern digital economy.

SUBSCRIBE

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

  • How ASML grew from a Philips spinoff into Europe’s most important tech company.
  • Why ASML holds a near-monopoly on EUV lithography machines.
  • The dual leadership that propelled ASML’s rise and built a culture of relentless focus.
  • How ASML’s partnership with TSMC shaped the global semiconductor industry.
  • Why the geopolitical tension between the US and China place ASML at the center of technology power struggles.
  • What makes ASML’s moat nearly impossible for competitors to replicate.
  • How investors can view ASML’s growth, risks, and future opportunities.
  • And so much more!

 

 

TRANSCRIPT

Disclaimer: The transcript that follows has been generated using artificial intelligence. We strive to be as accurate as possible, but minor errors and slightly off timestamps may be present due to platform differences.

 

[00:00:00] Clay Finck: While the spotlight often shines on companies like Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla, there’s a single European company that all big tech players rely on to provide cutting edge technology. That company is ASML since its IPO in 1995, shares of ASML have compounded at 20% per year, turning a $10,000 investment into more than $6 million today, headquartered in the small Dutch town of Veldhoven, ASML has built one of the most critical monopolies in modern technology.

[00:00:33] Clay Finck: ASML is the sole manufacturer of the extreme ultraviolet lithography machines that are used to produce the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips. These machines, which can cost over $300 million a piece are feats of engineering so complex. They require over 100,000 precision parts to assemble.

[00:00:54] Clay Finck: What makes ASML’s story so compelling is how it rose from a struggling spinoff in the 1980s to a linchpin in the global economy today, all while overtaking Japanese competition navigating US China geopolitical tensions and building a technological lead that competitors may never catch up with. On today’s episode, we will explore ASML’s origin story, the dual leadership that drove its rise, the geopolitical pressures that are shaping the company’s future, and the risks and opportunities it presents for investors to help tell that story all be sharing the key lessons from the book, focus the ASML way by Marc Hijink.

[00:01:35] Clay Finck: For those who are interested in learning more about ASML, I would highly recommend picking up a copy of the book yourself. Also, we’re coming up on our TIP summit event in Big Sky Montana that we’re hosting in late September, 2025. We’ll be gathering a select group of TIP listeners to go hiking, do some fly fishing, enjoy great food and network with like-minded listeners of the show in one of the most beautiful settings here in the United States.

[00:02:03] Clay Finck: Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for our attendees and have you leaving with friendships that will last for many years to come. We have a couple more spots open, and we’re getting our list of attendees finalized, so if you’re interested, you can apply to join us by the end of August on our website at theinvestorspodcast.com/summit.

[00:02:25] Clay Finck: That’s theinvestorspodcast.com/summit. With that, let’s get right to it.

[00:02:35] Intro: Since 2014, and through more than 180 million downloads, we’ve studied the financial markets and read the books that influenced self-made billionaires the most. We keep you informed and prepared for the unexpected. Now for your host, Clay Finck.

[00:02:59] Clay Finck: ASML is one of the most important companies in the world, yet most people have no idea what it does or why it holds such immense strategic power. ASML is the sole manufacturer of EUV lithography machines, which is the core technology enabling the production of the most advanced semiconductor chips.

 

 

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